Greek Town Hall Meeting Settles Students' Concerns about New Regulations

American University students gathered at the Greek Town Hall Meeting last night to raise concerns about the pressures facing Greeks due to the new Student Conduct Code.

About fifty American University students came to the 8:30 p.m. meeting located in Ward 2 armed with questions about the new regulations that effect students living off campus and more specifically Greek houses. According to the Director of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution Rosie McSweeney the new code will target any student who violates the law and endangers the reputation or well being of the campus community. This is particularly aimed to reduce complaints from surrounding neighborhoods due to noise and rowdy behavior.

According to Chief of Department of Public Safety Michael McNair the new regulations are there to provide a compromise between neighbors and students, “We want to foster your college experience of fun and education. With education and enjoyment come responsibilities,” McNair said.

The Executive Vice President of the Interfraternity Council Carter Gibson believed that progress was indeed being made. “The university is recognizing how we handle ourselves off campus. We’re doing a good job,” Gibson said. He suggested that students introduce themselves to neighbors and exchange contact information however, to begin building trust within the neighborhoods.

American University Senior and sorority member Alexis Keslinke asked what would be the repercussions of violating the new policy. According to McNair only chronic offences would require serious action from the university. This could include suspension or actions that effect student records. McSweeney assured the crowed that Student Conduct will speak with the students if a complaint is issued to first establish an understanding.

McSweeney did not believe however that being a college student is an excuse for irresponsible behavior. “You are all maturing. You need to demonstrate that you can all be independent people with rights and responsibilities,” she said. One student recommended loosening the alcohol policy on campus to combat off campus parties. “This is not a tolerance issue,” McSweeney said. “It’s the law.”

The university is also working with the neighbors to help understand their specific wants and needs. “The university is being proactive to get neighbors to talk ahead of time. More information is going out to inform the neighbors about what the university is doing to help,” said McNair.

According to McNair the policy isn’t about getting students in trouble. It has been effective in helping students who are in need of assistance from authorities. According to McNair Public Safety gets jurisdiction from the Metro Police Department. They are also working with other area police departments to respond to any issues that rise involving American University students. “Area police departments will respond to the scene and report back to Public Safety who documents it. It’s the same treatment as students living closer to campus,” McNair said. According to McNair these reports are less about rowdy students and deal more with assault victims.

According to The Eagle, the changes to the Student Conduct Code are all in light of American University’s expansion plan that will be proposed to the Zoning Commission later this fall. “The ten year campus plan could be altered or restricted by the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions due to bad conduct,” said McSweeney. “The University would be disadvantaged and powerless.”

Georgetown University and George Washington University also have enacted similar regulations to promote the good neighbor policy. According to Dean of Students Michelle Espinosa, there has been a low volume of neighborhood complaints so far this fall. “We’ve had four to five complaints at three addresses,” she said. “The houses were not houses occupied by an organization.”

According to Interfraternity Council President Adam Tager, “The best thing Greek life can do is to understand the new conduct code and be proactive with administration and neighbors.” The Student Advocacy Center is also a tool for students who are unsure about their rights and the process they can take if issues occur involving the new Student Conduct Code. “SAC will meet with students, administrators, and the conduct advisory board. We are here to listen and guide students through the process,” said Assistant Direct of the Student Advocacy Center Matt Kabak.

Kabak also stated that he believes the university has the students’ best interests in mind. However, “This is a vague change that affects a lot of students living off campus. We have to live with the rule and find out how it’ll play out, and yet we have no new rights,” he said.

Despite the concerns from the crowd McSweeney and McNair said that the new policy is the best compromise for students and the university’s reputation. “The university and Public Safety hold your safety in the highest priority,” McNair said. “We only want you to pursue your academic endeavors safely.”